A method of manufacturing a fiber reinforced composite material lid for an utility vault including mixing an unsaturated polyester thermosetting matrix in to a resin paste, compounding the resin paste into a fiber reinforced composite material, maturing the compounded fiber reinforced composite material, cutting the matured compound into a charge pattern, molding the charge pattern in a mold cavity of a heated mold under low pressure to form the lid and cooling and machining the lid. The mold includes a cavity die and a core die having a shear angle for interfacing the core die within the cavity die and a steam pot for heating the cavity die and the core die, wherein the lid is molded between the cavity die and the core die and removed from the mold by a lid ejection mechanism.

A locking assembly is provided for a cover. The cover is a substantially rigid cover configured to close off an opening to a void, said void bounded by a side wall. The cover defines a top side and an opposed underside. The locking assembly includes a mounting arrangement mountable to the underside. A link is pivotally connected to the mounting arrangement. The link defines a first end and a second, free end. A locking member is carried by the second, free end of the link. The locking member frictionally engages the side wall of the void in a locking position, in use. An actuating member connects to the link and is accessible via the top side. The actuating member displaces the link relative to the mounting arrangement to cause the locking member to frictionally disengage from the side wall of the void to a disengaged position.

Disclosed is retainer for a nut. The retainer is positioned within the frame that provides access to a closure. The closure, in turn, is secured by way of a removable cover. The cover is removably secured to the frame by way of a series of bolts and corresponding nuts. The nuts are secured by way of the retainer to allow the bolts to be secured. Each retainer includes upper and lower opening and an internal area. The upper opening is preferably angled such that the nut must be oriented at an angle in order to be inserted into the retainer. The internal area of each retainer includes a ledge with an angled step. The angled step function is rotating the nut to a horizontal orientation after it has been inserted into the retainer. Thereafter, a user can access the nut with a finger through the lower opening. This allows the nut to be rotated and removed via the upper opening. The various features of the present retainer, and the manner in which they interrelate, are described in greater detail hereinafter.

A locking system for a utility vault including an I-beam extending across an opening in utility vault, a two-piece lid positioned in the opening over the I-beam, brackets positioned on opposite ends of each piece of the two-piece utility lid for engaging an inside wall surface of the utility vault and the I-beam, and a three-tier locking system positioned at an end of one piece of the two-piece lid to lock the lid to the vault including a L-bolt lock, a padlock and a lockable door on an upper surface of the lid.

The present disclosure relates to the field of construction, and, more particularly, to the adjustment of the position of a floating manhole or the replacement of a manhole with a new manhole so that the manhole is aligned with the connecting surface, e.g., the roadway. The object of the disclosure is to make it quicker, easier, and cheaper to adjust the position of a floating manhole, or to replace the manhole with a new manhole by aligning the manhole surface with the connecting surface, e.g., the roadway.

An insulating manhole cover for an opening in an underground utility structure and a method of insulating underground utility structure is disclosed. The manhole cover includes an insulation element disposed in the opening. A support member is coupled to the insulation element, the support member being configured to operably couple with the opening. A cover is at least partially disposed within the opening and in contact with the support member opposite the insulation element.

An insulating manhole cover for an opening in an underground utility structure and a method of insulating underground utility structure is disclosed. The manhole cover includes an insulation element disposed in the opening. A support member is coupled to the insulation element, the support member being configured to operably couple with the opening. A cover is at least partially disposed within the opening and in contact with the support member opposite the insulation element.

Enclosure cover assemblies for use with direct burial enclosures are provided. The enclosure cover assembly includes a frame that is secured to the enclosure and a cover separately secured to the frame. The frame and cover are made of metal while the enclosure is made of a high strength material.

Enclosure cover assemblies for use with direct burial enclosures are provided. The enclosure cover assembly includes a frame that is secured to the enclosure and a cover separately secured to the frame. The frame and cover are made of metal while the enclosure is made of a high strength material.

Enclosure cover assemblies for use with direct burial enclosures are provided. The enclosure cover assembly includes a frame that is secured to the enclosure and a cover separately secured to the frame. The frame and cover are made of metal while the enclosure is made of a high strength material.